Abstract

Thermoresponsive polymers are smart polymers with the capacity to present changes in phase and solubility in response to temperature. However, thermoresponsive polymers have drawbacks associated with their mechanical properties, thermal degradation, and poor control over drug release. One of the most functional alternatives to improve these limitations is the incorporation of nanofillers in the polymer structure. Thermoresponsive polymer nanocomposites are a new generation of materials with interesting applications in the biomedicine, cosmetics, aerospace, automotive and environmental industries. In this article, the principles and fundamentals of thermoresponsive polymer nanocomposites will be discussed. First, we begin with an overview of thermoresponsive polymers. Next, the fundamental concepts of nanoparticles used as nanofillers will be presented. This section highlights the effect of the nanofiller on the mechanical and stimulus-responsive properties of the obtained material. Subsequently, emerging applications of thermoresponsive polymer nanocomposites are described. The article closes with an analysis of published studies and the challenges associated with developing these materials.